Signing For Dummies (20 page)

Check out the following examples of short questions:

English:
Who is going?

Sign:
GOING WHO Q

English:
What do you mean?

Sign:
MEAN WHAT Q (The word “you” is implied because you’re talking to that person already.)

Signin’ the Sign

Virginia and Mark are roommates. It’s Saturday morning, and they’re drinking coffee and signing about what they have planned for the day.

Mark:
Are you working today?

Sign:
TODAY — WORKING YOU Q

Virginia:
Yes, for two hours.

Sign:
YES — TWO HOURS — SHORT (This signed answer can be translated to mean “I am only working briefly.”)

Mark:
I’m going to the movies.

Sign:
MOVIES — GO ME

Virginia:
May I join you?

Sign:
JOIN (you) ME Q (Note: the word “you” is a directional word to be signed toward the person you’re joining.)

Mark:
Of course.